I need to plant some grass in my back yard this year. Is it too early? I don't know what kind to plant, something for sun. I saw some at Big Lot's that said it was for sun or shade but it didn't say what kind it was. I have a big area to cover so I won't do sod. And yes, I am putting in a small veg. garden in one area. I have to take advantage of the fact that there is absolutely nothing growing there at the present.
Is it time to plant grass?
Hmmm.... if you aren't doing sod, then you aren't doing San Augustine (they son't sell seed for it.) What kind of grass do other people in your area grow? I would think this is the best time for sowing grass seed, as you want it to get established before the weather gets too hot and starts stressing it.
Something you really ought to consider is buffalo grass, which is a TX Native. Check this out for native grasses in general, from Wildseed Farms: http://www.wildseedfarms.com/grasses_right_side.htm
I would definitely be wary of grass seed from the box stores, as many of the seed mixes they carry have nothing to do with what grows in TX. Also, you could call your local extension office to see what they recommend for your area. (If only it would grow in my area, I would replace my lawn with Buffalo grass in a heartbeat.)
I would also be wary of planting Bermuda grass of any sort if you plan to grow other plants. Even the so called tamer ones are invasive and it is almost impossible to kill. If you aren't sodding St. Augustine, which is easy to keep out of plant beds, go for the clumping varieties. Some types can't handle high traffic areas though. The best thing to do may be to do as maggiemoo suggest and contact your local extension office.
I think I will go with Buffalo grass. We have St. Augustine in the front but since we lease this house I don't want to go to the expense of putting in sod. Also it won't require as much watering as the St. Augustine. Now I have a good excuse to go to Al Horaney's. It's kind of like an old time feed store but they have lots of garden stuff. I should probably go in the morning when my hubby is at work. I might need some more seeds! Yeah right!